Why Theatre? - TFT00047C
Module summary
This module asks why we study theatre, and responds by considering the specific features and potentialities of plays and performances. You will be introduced to play and performance analysis through a focus on innovative productions and texts across a wide variety of forms, settings and contexts.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
The module aims:
- to introduce you to the possibilities and specificities of theatre through the analysis of plays and productions
- to ask what differentiates theatre from other performing arts and to identify theatre’s distinctive features
- to introduce you to ideas about the ways plays work and how performance makes meaning
- to develop your communication skills and critical thinking
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, you are expected to be able:
- to understand what makes theatre distinctive
- to analyse plays and productions
- to offer a reasoned account of how plays and/or productions make meaning
- to effectively communicate, present, and engage with ideas
Module content
The module will examine performances and playtexts that have been influential on or significant to both lecturing staff and students, using these as a point of departure to analyse the many ways in which theatre can make meaning. You will explore and analyse performances and texts across a wide variety of forms, settings and contexts, exploring how the artifice of the theatre allows it to work in very flexible ways. The module asks what brings us to a study of theatre and performance, and what sets theatre apart from other art and media. It explores the different possibilities open to theatre-makers and the ways they can treat plays and performances to achieve a wide range of ends.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
A formative analytical exercise will be embedded into the module; timing to be coordinated with the other modules running that semester.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 100 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Indicative reading
Counsell, C. and Wolf, L. Performance Analysis: An Introductory Coursebook
Fliotsos, A. (2011). Interpreting the play script : contemplation and analysis.
Grochala, S. (2017). The contemporary political play : rethinking dramaturgical structure.
Kiely, D. (2016). How to Read a Play: Script Analysis for Directors.
Rozik, E. (2018). Generating Theatre Meaning: A Theory and Methodology of Performance Analysis: A Theory & Methodology of Performance Analysis.
Wallis, M. (2018). Studying plays, fourth edition.
Plays and performances studied will vary from year to year.